M J Ruckenstein1, J P Staab. 1. Balance Center, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104, USA. Ruckensm@uphs.upenn.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify an accurate psychological screening questionnaire to assist in the management of patients with psychogenic dizziness. STUDY DESIGN: Patients referred to the Balance Center of the University of Pennsylvania with a presumptive diagnosis of psychogenic dizziness based on neurotologic assessment were administered a Basic Symptom Inventory-53 (BSI-53) psychological screening questionnaire and were referred for psychiatric assessment. Neither the patients nor the psychiatrist were aware of the results of the BSI-53. The results of the neurotologic assessment, the BSI-53, and the psychiatric assessment were then compared for their degree of association. RESULTS: Strong associations were demonstrated between the results of the BSI-53 questionnaire and the results of the neurotologic and psychiatric assessments. CONCLUSIONS: The BSI-53 is an easily administered, objective, and accurate tool useful in identifying the presence of psychopathology in patients thought to have psychogenic dizziness. It is recommended as a valuable addition to the battery of tests performed when evaluating the dizzy patient.
OBJECTIVE: To identify an accurate psychological screening questionnaire to assist in the management of patients with psychogenic dizziness. STUDY DESIGN:Patients referred to the Balance Center of the University of Pennsylvania with a presumptive diagnosis of psychogenic dizziness based on neurotologic assessment were administered a Basic Symptom Inventory-53 (BSI-53) psychological screening questionnaire and were referred for psychiatric assessment. Neither the patients nor the psychiatrist were aware of the results of the BSI-53. The results of the neurotologic assessment, the BSI-53, and the psychiatric assessment were then compared for their degree of association. RESULTS: Strong associations were demonstrated between the results of the BSI-53 questionnaire and the results of the neurotologic and psychiatric assessments. CONCLUSIONS: The BSI-53 is an easily administered, objective, and accurate tool useful in identifying the presence of psychopathology in patients thought to have psychogenic dizziness. It is recommended as a valuable addition to the battery of tests performed when evaluating the dizzy patient.